On the sparkling waters of Lake George, often called the “Queen of American Lakes”, a seven-bedroom estate unlike any other is waiting for its next steward.
From its 19th-century hotel days to its 20th-century preservation, the legendary 14 Mile Island estate sits on 3-plus acres of privacy just off Bolton Landing, NY. It features not only sweeping views of the Adirondacks, but also more than a century of history. Now, for the first time in over 60 years, it’s being offered for sale at $10,800,000.
“It’s the kind of property you never want to leave,” says listing agent Crystal Staepal. She notes that among the 186 islands on Lake George, only a handful are privately owned, and even fewer ever come to market.
The estate’s 14 Mile Island name dates to the 18th century, when British soldiers mistakenly thought they were 14 miles from the lake’s southern end. (In reality, it was 11 miles.) In 1857, the state of New York sold the island, along with five others, to a man named William Smith. Over the years, it became a hotel, a steamship excursion stop, and finally, in 1905, a private residence.
The estate’s architectural roots are nearly as compelling as its setting. Commissioned by owner William Beardsley, the summer home was designed by New York City architect John W. Ingle, who camped on the island to study its light and landscape before finalizing his plans.
Ingle’s design included clerestory windows in the great room, positioned to capture fresh air, natural light, and even the phases of the moon.
“History and architecture come together here in such a beautiful way,” says Staepal. “It’s not just a home; it’s a legacy.”
Today, the property remains a testament to local craftsmanship and preservation. The main residence showcases custom post-and-beam construction, a two-story stone fireplace, and a curved 3,000-square-foot southern porch framed by 17 pillars crafted from Shelving Rock stone.
“The porch was intentionally offset from the house to maximize light,” Staepal says. “It’s these kinds of thoughtful details that make the design so timeless.”
The estate includes a boathouse with two-bedroom guest quarters. Its meticulous restoration earned it the 2019 Adirondack Architectural Heritage Award. The award is just one of many testaments to the care with which the property has been maintained by its current owners, the Finley family, who purchased it in 1960 from the Beardsleys.
With more than 2,600 feet of shoreline, the island offers a rare stretch of privacy on Lake George, and it also comes with a private lagoon, gazebo, and panoramic views that stretch toward Dome Island, Tongue Mountain, and Black Mountain.
“Most homes on the lake have only 100 and 300 feet of shoreline,” Staepal points out. “This one has over 2,600, which is almost unheard of.”
The island even boasts its own FAA-registered seaplane base, which allows for the authorized landing and tethering of private seaplanes.
And though it feels like a world apart, 14 Mile Island is just minutes by boat from Bolton Landing, which offers stylish boutiques and dining options, as well as the historic Sagamore Resort.
The island is also just a short trip from Saratoga Springs, Lake Placid, Vermont, and even Canada.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime purchase,” Staepal says. “You’re not just buying a home—you’re buying into one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, and a piece of its history.”
